Correction Slip to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme Regulations 2022 (England and Wales): implications for UK health and safety law and business compliance

Correction Slip to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme Regulations 2022 (England and Wales): implications for UK health and safety law and business compliance

What has changed

The Correction Slip applies in England and Wales and amends the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (England and Wales) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/565), which established the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS). BUS is a renewable heat incentive scheme designed to facilitate the installation of heat pumps and biomass boilers to provide space and water heating in domestic properties and small non domestic properties. The corrected notice confirms that BUS continues to operate as a grant mechanism to support such installations provided that they do not replace an existing renewable heating system. The exact nature of the amendments is not detailed in the notice, so organisations should consult the updated statutory instrument and any official guidance to understand the specific changes to eligibility or administration.

Why it matters

For organisations involved in installing or funding low carbon heating, the BUS changes have direct implications for eligibility, application processes and funding timelines. As with UK health and safety law and HSE requirements, grants are contingent on compliance with scheme rules and on carrying out appropriate risk assessments and competent planning for installations. The updated framework may affect procurement decisions, contractor requirements and the governance of funded works. Employers and contractors should align with the broader regulatory regime governing residential energy upgrades to avoid non compliance and ensure safe, compliant installation practices.

Key duties for employers and installers

Organisations should prioritise the following actions:

• Review eligibility criteria and claim processes under BUS and ensure projects meet the conditions (domestic or small non domestic properties, no replacement of an existing renewable system).
• Engage competent persons for advice on grant eligibility, design and installation of heat pumps or biomass boilers and any safety implications.
• Update risk assessments and method statements for heat pump and biomass boiler installations to reflect current guidance and any new requirements from the correction.
• Ensure contractors are appropriately trained and certificated and that health and safety management systems cover BUS funded works, including installation, commissioning and handover.
• Review procurement and governance arrangements, including supplier due diligence and contract management for BUS funded projects.
• Align management system with ISO 45001 where relevant and consider Synergos consultancy support for risk assessment, competent person arrangements and training.

Enforcement and sanctions

Compliance with the BUS regulations and any correction is essential to access or retain grant support. Non compliance could impact eligibility for funding and the ability to claim under BUS. Organisations should monitor updates from government guidance and adapt processes promptly to remain compliant.

Steps to achieve compliance

Integrated actions to embed the change into governance and operations include:

• Update internal policies and procedures for heating upgrades to reflect BUS rules
• Revise risk assessments and safe systems of work for installation teams
• Confirm competency requirements for designers, installers and commissioning engineers
• Provide or refresh training for installation teams and project managers on BUS eligibility and safety considerations
• Review contractor management and supply chain engagement to ensure BUS funded works are delivered safely and legally
• Consider integrating ISO 45001 health and safety management to underpin the BUS funded upgrade programme

For further guidance on systematic control of workplace risk, see ISO 45001 occupational health and safety management. For health and safety risk assessments and competent person support, see health and safety risk assessments and Competent Person support.

In addition, Synergos Consultancy offers health and safety support packages and training which can help you implement the change in a robust, auditable way. See health and safety support packages and health and safety training.

Understanding the BUS amendment in the context of UK health and safety law supports stronger governance and safer retrofit projects. Aligning with a formal management system such as ISO 45001 can help ensure ongoing regulatory compliance and effective risk control across installations.

Wrap-up: The correction to BUS Regulations highlights the ongoing focus on safe, compliant energy upgrades in the UK. Timely review and action will help ensure access to funding, support safe installations and demonstrate regulatory compliance to stakeholders.